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My Background
Artist Statement
My Background
I retired in 2016, after a career of 40 years in the maritime transportation industry. The first 14 years were spent actively sailing on various tugs, including seagoing units, transporting primarily petroleum products on the coasts of the U.S. I worked my way from deckhand to captain. You will see the maritime influence in much of my wo
I retired in 2016, after a career of 40 years in the maritime transportation industry. The first 14 years were spent actively sailing on various tugs, including seagoing units, transporting primarily petroleum products on the coasts of the U.S. I worked my way from deckhand to captain. You will see the maritime influence in much of my work.
Even as a youngster I had an interest in art. Early on I got a a set of pastels for Christmas and my journey began. I am largely self-taught. Unfortunately art took a back seat to work and family life. A few years before retirement, my artistic endeavor was rekindled upon enrolling in a weekly art class.
My Medium
Artist Statement
My Background
I work in various media. More recently acrylic is my predominant choice. However I have an created a large body of work in pastel, and have done some in graphite, colored pencil, and charcoal. I enjoy experimenting and exploring different media and techniques
Artist Statement
Artist Statement
Artist Statement
Always having an interest and desire to draw and paint, it wasn’t until retirement that I would begin in earnest my artistic journey. Working primarily in pastel and acrylic, much of my work is is heavily influenced from my career nautical experience. The myriad of sea and sky conditions and the interplay of the lines and shapes of vessel
Always having an interest and desire to draw and paint, it wasn’t until retirement that I would begin in earnest my artistic journey. Working primarily in pastel and acrylic, much of my work is is heavily influenced from my career nautical experience. The myriad of sea and sky conditions and the interplay of the lines and shapes of vessels are fascinating. Even abandoned ships or boats, in various states of decay, have stories to tell. Not limiting my work to maritime subjects, I am inspired by some of my other life experiences. I enjoy experimenting in other media and styles, and look forward to the twists and turns my artistic sojourn may take.
Items for Sale
Note Cards
All cards are 4"x5", blank on inside, envelopes included, packaged in a clear plastic gift box. To order please contact by email (nickgras.art@gmail.com). Specify item(s) and quantity, and supply your mailing address. Shipping is free and will ship upon payment. PayPal and Venmo are accepted.
Scenic Beauty
$15
6 gloss finish cards. Scenes - Lake Louise, St. Lawrence River, Life rings at Bivalve NJ, Cape May Fishing Fleet, Lake Maligne Kayaks, Jim Thorpe PA
Philadelphia Italian Market
$15
6 gloss finish cards. Scenes of 9th Street Market 1978, Penn's Landing Monument.
Scenes in Philadelphia
$15
6 matte finish cards. Scenes - Camden Aquarium in Evening, Penn's Landing Whale Boats, Camden Aquarium at Night, Penn's Landing, Ben Franklin Bridge.
Old Tugboats & more
$15
6 matte finish cards. Scenes - Ship John Lighthouse DE Bay, Boldt Castle Doorway, Asian Lantern o St. Lawrence River, Old Tug in East Boston, Tug San Diegan, Tug Graveyard in Staten Island.
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Awards
"Maine Tugboats" 16"x20" Acrylic - 1st Prize, 2021 Gloucester County NJ Senior Art Show, Category Professional Acrylic.
"Wheelhouse" - Best in Show at Petite Moments Exhibit - Gallery 50, Inc. Bridgeton, NJ - July 2021
"Shaft Alley, SS John W. Brown" - 2019 Gloucester County Senior Art Show, 1st Place for Pastel.
"Tug Ranger" chosen for 2018 Pitman Artwalk